Chapter 224: The Wives' Warship
Tolle immediately climbed into the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam, opened the comms channel, and shouted in an unmistakably bandit-like tone toward the two pirate-painted warships ahead:
"Listen up, space pirates in front! I'm Tolle, leader of the Spark Interstellar Trade Security Group! Stop attacking that merchant vessel immediately and obediently submit to my command—otherwise, don't blame me for what happens next!"
After ending the broadcast, Tolle knew full well that those pirates weren't going to comply so easily. Launching from the hangar, he piloted the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam into open space.
Moments later, over a dozen mobile suits launched from the three Spark battleships. Zola, Ange, and the other four pilots took off as well, piloting specially modified B+ class Graze units, charging straight toward the two pirate vessels.
When the pirate captains aboard those ships saw a swarm of enemy mobile suits approaching, they nearly fell out of their chairs in terror.
One of them frantically opened a comm channel to his mobile suit pilots, speaking with forced bravado and a tone of doomed defiance:
"Men! Turn your guns around—target that so-called Spark Interstellar Trade Security Group! Hold them off as long as you can!"
The moment he ended the call, his composure shattered. Sweating profusely, he turned to the ship's helmsman and stammered, "Hurry—turn us around! Full speed! We've run into the damned Spark group, the plague of the galaxy!"
"What trade security group, my ass—they're just space pirates worse than us! I heard that every pirate captain and officer they've ever captured was killed on the spot! Not a single survivor!"
"We've been cursed! Cursed! Of all the people to run into—it had to be them! I don't wanna die!"
The helmsman obeyed instantly, spinning the ship around and preparing to flee at maximum thrust.
Seeing the two assault battleships attempting to escape, Tolle ignited his thrusters to full power. The Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam shot through the enemy's mobile suit formation and opened fire on the two warships, shredding their engines and boosters with a sweeping barrage from its twin Gatling cannons.
At the same time, the neo DG cells infiltrated the ships and began assimilation work.
Still, Tolle decided to keep up appearances and opened a public broadcast, his voice booming over the comms:
"Listen up, all of you aboard those two ships! I only kill those whose hands are stained with blood—I don't harm the innocent. Turn your captain over to me, and I promise all prisoners will be treated well!"
In truth, the Spark Interstellar Trade Security Group already had more than enough personnel; whether or not they kept these pirates didn't matter. This was really just a show—for the benefit of the "wives' warship."
After all, if Naze Turbine ended up dying here, Tolle would be more than willing to take on the responsibility of "caring for" his widows.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Zola and Ange's team completely dominated. Their Graze-armored Gundams swept through the enemy formation with ease.
Most of the enemy suits were outdated Man Rodi units—no match at all for the upgraded Graze-type Gundams. Within minutes, every pirate mobile suit had been wiped out.
Tolle guided the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam toward Naze's assault ship, Hammerhead, and opened a comm channel:
"You all right over there? The Spark Interstellar Trade Security Group has already secured the area—you can resume safe passage. And hey, if you ever need security or trade partners, keep us in mind."
Amida Arca, piloting her pink Hyakuren, opened the comm line in response, her tone polite but cautious:
"Thank you for your assistance. I'm Amida Arca from the Turbines, a transport organization under Teiwaz. As you can see, this is our master Naze Turbine's transport ship. We still have cargo that needs to be delivered on schedule. Perhaps we can cooperate another time."
Tolle knew immediately that his first attempt at contact had failed—he'd been politely turned away.
Still, that was only natural. No one would let their guard down around an unfamiliar group of space pirates—especially a ship full of women.
Nevertheless, Tolle smiled and replied warmly, trying to build some rapport:
"So it's Lady Amida! I've long heard your name. I'm Tolle Koenig, Supreme Director of the Spark Interstellar Trade Security Group. Please extend my regards to Naze Turbine. No worries—you've got business to handle. Just spread the word about our group when you can. We mainly deal in convoy protection—and a bit of trading on the side."
"Thank you, Director Tolle. We'll be sure to mention you if the chance arises. Now, if you'll excuse us—we'll be taking our leave."
"Very well," Tolle replied smoothly. "Until next time, then. May fate bring us together again."
And so, his first attempt to make contact with the wives' warship ended in failure—but Tolle wasn't one to give up so easily.
Back aboard the Hammerhead, Lafter stepped out of her Hyakuri and turned to Amida with curiosity.
"Hey, Amida, who exactly are those Spark Interstellar Trade Security Group people? Even the other space pirates bolted the second they showed up."
Amida shook her head. "I don't know much myself, but dear Naze mentioned them once. They're a newly risen organization. The first time they appeared, they wiped out an entire Gjallarhorn fleet. Since then, they've been steadily absorbing smaller pirate bands. Gjallarhorn's tried to suppress them several times—but every operation failed miserably."
"Still, thanks to them, the surrounding routes have gotten much safer than before. Though if you want to travel their routes, you have to pay a small annual protection fee. They also offer per-trip escort services."
Lafter wrinkled her nose. "So basically, they're just pirates pretending to be legit—charging protection money instead of robbing people. Doesn't sound any better to me."
Then her expression softened into a dreamy grin. "But that white mobile suit Tolle was piloting—wow, that was gorgeous! That's a Gundam, right? I'd love to have one like that."
Azee smacked her lightly on the head. "It's a nice machine, sure—but to pilot one, you'd have to undergo spinal surgery to install a neural interface for the Alaya-Vijnana System. It's dangerous. People die from it all the time. Plus, it'd make sleeping uncomfortable, and your body would change—you'd stop being pretty. Then maybe darling Naze wouldn't love you anymore."
"Ehh—then forget it! That's terrifying."
Seeing Lafter's slightly deflated expression, Amida stepped forward and hugged her gently. "There, there. Don't worry, our Lafter is beautiful and adorable just as she is. Even if you weren't, our darling Naze would never stop loving you."
And so, the three women aboard the wives' warship began laughing and teasing one another again—while somewhere nearby, Tolle could only watch from afar, excluded from the tender scene.